Westbury Community Awaits Justice As Teen Shooting Suspect Appears In Court

Shock And Sadness Grip Westbury

The community of Westbury is still reeling from the horror of a shooting that left two teenagers dead and five others wounded. On Friday morning, a 20-year-old man accused of being part of the attack is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court just days after he was arrested at a school in Diepkloof, Soweto, where he had written his matric exam.

Residents say the tragedy has reopened old wounds in an area long haunted by gun and gang violence. “We’re tired of living in fear,” said one community member on social media. “These shootings happen, and nothing changes. Our children aren’t safe even when they’re just hanging out.”

The Attack That Shattered A Community

The shooting took place on 21 October, when gunmen opened fire on a group of teenagers. Two of them died on the scene, while five others were rushed to hospital. Police have confirmed that two of the injured have since been discharged, while the search for the remaining suspects continues.

Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said investigations are ongoing, adding that officers are “following up on leads” to track down those still at large.

A Troubled Suburb Caught In The Crossfire

For many in Westbury, this is not an isolated event. The area, west of Johannesburg, has battled waves of violence tied to drugs and gangs for decades. In 2018, widespread protests erupted after several similar shootings, forcing authorities to deploy tactical response teams in a bid to restore order.

Community activists are once again calling for long-term solutions not just arrests. “The police come when there’s blood on the streets, but we need real intervention,” said one local youth leader.

A Courtroom Moment Of Reckoning

As the suspect appears in court, the case has become a symbol of both hope and fatigue hope that justice will be served, and fatigue from years of violence that has stolen too many young lives.

For the families of the victims, Friday’s court appearance is not just another hearing; it’s a painful reminder of what’s been lost, and what the community still stands to fight for: peace on their own streets.

{Source:EWN}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com